Influence of ionomer equivalent weight on kinetic and transport properties in PEFC MEAs

  • S. Sambandam
  • , V. Ramani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The ionomer/binder type and composition can influence both ionic and mass transport in a PEFC electrode. For an electrode to have minimum resistance to O2, proton and electron transport, the ionomer composition has to be optimized for its EW and volume fraction. An optimum ionomer composition in the electrode results in higher Pt utilization and hence better MEA performance. Ion and species transport characteristics of electrode layers containing PFSA ionomers with different EWs are examined in this study by analysis of MEA polarization data at different relative humidities. Steady state polarization curves were obtained with air and oxygen. The polarization data for MEAs was analyzed to determine the relative contributions of the different sources of polarization, namely activation losses, membrane resistance losses, ohmic losses in the electrode, and mass transport losses in the GDL and electrode.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationECS Transactions - Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages1673-1684
Number of pages12
Edition2 PART 2
ISBN (Print)9781566776486
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: Oct 12 2008Oct 17 2008

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number2 PART 2
Volume16
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Conference

ConferenceProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period10/12/0810/17/08

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